Got great apples sitting around? Tired of just snacking on them raw? If you're craving a cozy bake but don't want to pull out the mixer, this Gateau Pommes (French apple cake) is your answer. All you need is a bowl, a whisk, and those gorgeous seasonal apples. Lightly scented with vanilla and incredibly moist, it pairs beautifully with your coffee or afternoon tea.
Bonus: it stays tender for days—if it lasts that long!
This rustic French apple cake is the opposite of the more popular Invisible apple cake. I want to celebrate the apples and let them shine in all their glory!
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🍰Ingredient Notes
One of the best parts of this recipe is that it uses ingredients you may already have in your pantry. Make sure they are out and at room temperature before you begin the process.
- Apples: Use firm and sweet apples like Jazz, Gala or Fuji.
- Unsalted Butter: Salted butter can be used, just skip the added salt.
- White sugar: I have used fine granulated sugar or castor sugar. I have not tried with any other sugar. You may use a mix of brown sugar for caramel flavour.
- All-purpose flour: You may find it labelled as Plain flour or Maida.
- vanilla sugar or extract: Use either, though vanilla extract will offer a richer aroma.
- Baking powder: Helps the cake rise for a soft crumb.
- Eggs: You can use large or medium eggs for this recipe
- Lemon juice: Prevents apple browning and adds a slight zing.
See the recipe card for quantities.
🔪Steps to make French Apple Cake
Making gateau pommes is as easy as mixing, folding, and baking. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of baked apples and butter!
Set the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line the cake tin with baking paper or grease it with butter and dust with flour.
Peel, core, and dice the apples into medium cubes. Toss them in lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent them from browning.
Melt the butter on low heat or in the microwave just until melted and keep aside.
In a large mixing bowl, add the room-temperature eggs, sugar, and vanilla sugar or extract.
Whisk until pale and fluffy. Then, pour the cooled melted butter and whisk again until combined.
Sprinkle in the baking powder, flour and salt. Whisk gently until the flour is incorporated and the batter turns creamy.
Drain any extra lemon juice and fold the apple chunks into the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared tin. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before transferring it to a serving plate. Dust with powdered sugar if you like, slice, and enjoy!
💡Serving Ideas
Here’s a list of serving ideas that I recommend for a French apple cake - Gateau Pommes experience:
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: An easy one that stays with the rustic and simple theme! A light dusting adds elegance and sweetness without overpowering the flavours.
- Serve with Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream gives the cake a luxurious touch. No one can deny this, right?
- Pair with Ice Cream: The only flavour that makes everything even better is vanilla.
- Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: If you can make a small batch of caramel sauce. Add a rich, decadent twist with warm caramel sauce on top.
📝Variations
There are so many ways to make this apple cake your own. Whether you prefer a bit of spice, crunch, or an extra touch of sweetness, here are a few ways to customize the recipe to suit your preferences.
- Add spices: Go American style with a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg that will complement the apples beautifully.
- Add raisins or nuts: Stir in some raisins, walnuts, or pecans for added texture.
- Caramel glaze: Drizzle a caramel sauce over the top for extra indulgence.
💡Recipe Tips
Don't overmix the batter once the flour is added. Just mix until combined to keep the texture light and airy. Also, tap the cake tin gently on the counter to remove air bubbles before baking.
☝️FAQ
Yes! Pears, nectarines, or peaches would be a great alternative for this recipe.
No problem! Simply replace it with the same amount of vanilla extract.
Insert a toothpick in the centre – if it comes out clean, your cake is ready.
Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day, as the flavours develop over time.
❄️Storage
Store leftover gateau pommes at a pleasant room temperature for up to two to three days. In high-humidity conditions, it is better to keep them refrigerated. For longer storage, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
I had mine sitting on the coffee table in a Tupperware for 3 days. We enjoyed it for breakfast, snacking and as a dessert post-dinner.
🍲More Related Recipes
Looking for other recipes using apples? Try these:
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When I was making this cake, I got reminded of the simple chocolate cake that I used to bake all the time. And if cherries are in season, do check out my mini loaf cake. Both these cakes go great with tea. And, ff you are up for a celebration bake, then do try my delicious saffron cake.
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📖 Recipe Card
Gateau Pommes – A Delicious French Apple Cake
Ingredients
- 600 grams apples, or 4 small
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 large eggs
- 100 grams fine granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoon vanilla sugar, (or vanilla extract)
- 100 grams unsalted butter, melted
- 100 grams all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Peel, core, and chop the apples into medium-sized cubes. Place them in a bowl, drizzle with the lemon juice, and toss well to coat evenly.600 grams apples1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Set the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 20cm (8-inch) round cake tin with baking paper or generously grease and flour the tin.
- In a large mixing bowl, using a hand whisk, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla sugar (or extract) until the mixture becomes pale.100 grams fine granulated sugar3 large eggs2 teaspoon vanilla sugar
- Gradually add the melted butter and whisk until smooth and well combined.100 grams unsalted butter
- Sprinkle in the baking powder, flour and salt and whisk until a smooth creamy batter forms.100 grams all-purpose flour1 teaspoon baking powder1 pinch salt
- Gently drain any excess lemon juice from the apples and fold them into the batter until fully coated.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tin and smooth the top. Tap the tin lightly on the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tin for 10 minutes. Transfer to a serving plate, slice, and enjoy warm or at room temperature. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition Info
Recipe adapted from La Cuisine de Philippe.
Famidha Ashraf says
My favourite apple cake recipe with vanilla. So easy to put together and bake.